Why Navratri Is Celebrated in India and When

Navratri is a significant Hindu festival that continues to be celebrated twice a year in India and other parts of the world, marking a rich tradition that dates back to ancient Vedic times. This nine-day festival, dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine form of Goddess Durga, celebrates the victory of good over evil and the triumph of Dharma (righteousness) over Adharma (unrighteousness). Let's explore the significance of Navratri and when it is celebrated in India.

Significance of Navratri

Navratri is closely associated with the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology, Mahishasura, after obtaining a boon from Lord Brahma, started wreaking havoc on earth. The gods, realizing the need for a solution, collectively summoned the goddess, who took on a thousandfold form known as Shakti. She fought Mahishasura for nine days and nights, culminating in his defeat on the tenth day, Vijayadashami. This festival, therefore, commemorates the victory of good over evil and the importance of upholding dharma.

When Is Navratri Celebrated?

There are four main Navratris, each associated with different seasons and periods in the calendar year. These are:

Chaitra Navratri: This festival falls in the month of Chaitra, corresponding to March or April. It is associated with the spring season. Shardiya Navratri: This major Navratri is celebrated in the month of Ashvin, usually in September or October, corresponding to the autumn season. Gupta Shyamala Navratri: Celebrated in January or February, this Navratri is associated with the winter season. Adhika Navratri: This is an additional Navratri that sometimes occurs in the Hindu calendar.

Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri are the most widely celebrated, as they coincide with the beginning of two significant seasonal transitions: equinoxes and solstices. The ripple effect of these celestial events is deeply rooted in the agricultural cycles of the region, marking the change from one season to another.

The Nine Divine Avatars of Durga

The nine days of Navratri correspond to the worship of nine different forms of the Goddess Durga:

Shailputri Brahmcharini Chandraghanta Kushmanda Skandamata Katyayani Kaalratri Mahagauri Siddhidatri

Each of these avatars represents various aspects of the divine feminine and the qualities she embodies. This nine-day celebration culminates in the victory of Durga over Mahishasura on the tenth day, Vijayadashami, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness and the eradication of evil.

Customs and Celebrations

During Navratri, devotees fast, pray, and perform rituals to seek the blessings of Durga Ma. The nine colors worn during the festival—white, red, royal blue, yellow, green, grey, orange, peacock green, and pink—reflect the nine-day celebration and carry specific meanings. These colors are believed to signify the nine aspects of the divine feminine.

Conclusion

Navratri is not just a festival but a symbol of cultural heritage, religious devotion, and the eternal struggle of good versus evil. Whether celebrated in spring or autumn, these nine nights remind us of the importance of upholding dharma and the continuous victory of light over darkness. As a deep-rooted tradition, Navratri continues to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and spiritual connection.